The highly anticipated return of Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier is finally here. After undergoing surgery on both ankles during the offseason, Collier has been listed as ‘probable’ for the team’s game against the Seattle Storm on Wednesday. This marks her first game of the 2026 season, following a series of injuries that kept her sidelined throughout the regular season and playoffs.
Collier’s injuries occurred during the 2025 season, with one happening during the regular season and the other during the playoff series against the Phoenix Mercury. The surgery she underwent during the offseason aimed to address these issues and get her back on the court. Despite being out of commission, the Lynx have surprisingly fared well, maintaining their position at the top of the league standings with a 21-6 overall record.
Collier’s Return and the Lynx’s Success
The Lynx’s current success can be attributed to several factors, including the addition of rookie Olivia Miles. Miles has been an impressive addition to the team, averaging 19.6 points per game on 50.1% shooting, along with 4.8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Coach Cheryl Reeve has praised Miles for bringing a true point guard to the roster, complementing Collier’s skills.
Collier’s return is expected to be a significant boost to the team, given her impressive performance last season. She averaged a career-best 22.9 points per game, shooting 53.1% from the field and 40.3% from beyond the arc. She also had 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game, earning her a first-team All-WNBA selection and first-team All-Defense.
In a recent interview, Collier spoke about her recovery process, emphasizing the importance of embracing the journey. She stated, ‘I would say just embrace. One, I think everything happens for a reason. And so whatever it is, this is the journey of my life. I can’t control that I was injured, but I can control my mindset now.’
Collier’s mindset has been crucial in her recovery, as she has learned to focus on the process rather than the outcome. She continued, ‘If I’m crushing my rehab and doing everything I can to get back, if I’m being a good teammate, supporting my team while I’m out, making the most of it. There’s going to be things in life that happen that you can’t control, but you can control your reaction to things and your outlook on it.’
Collier’s return is particularly significant given the team’s current schedule. The Lynx are set to face the Seattle Storm on Wednesday, a team they barely survived against in their previous meeting. The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET and will be available on WNBA League Pass.
The Lynx’s performance without Collier has been impressive, with the team maintaining their position at the top of the league standings. Their current winning streak is a testament to the team’s resilience and determination. With Collier’s return, the Lynx are expected to be an even more formidable force in the league.
As the Lynx look to continue their winning streak, Collier’s return is expected to be a significant factor. Her presence on the court will undoubtedly bring a new level of excitement and competition to the team. With her impressive skills and determination, Collier is poised to lead the Lynx to even greater heights.
The Lynx’s current season has been marked by several milestones, including their recent win against the Seattle Storm. The team’s performance has been impressive, with several players stepping up to fill the void left by Collier’s absence. However, with Collier’s return, the team is expected to reach new heights.
